Paul James

Paul's paintings range from vivid and affectionate portrayals of farmyard and domestic animals to witty metaphorical narratives of wildlife in the urban jungle. His work is remarkable for the consummate skill with which he depicts the details of fleece, fur and feathers, and the unexpected juxtapositions of creatures and contexts. Often combining a humorous approach to his subjects with the manipulation of perspective and scale, he creates immediate and arresting pieces that have won him wide acclaim.

Paul was born and brought up in Leicestershire. His artistic abilities became apparent from a relatively early age and with the support and encouragement of his parents he is essentially self taught. A determined non-conformist he left art college and made a living as an independent artist painting classic cars and commissions of pet dogs and cats. After a foray into the world of music, he finally settled into life as a professional painter in 1986, since when he has established himself as one of the UK's most gifted animal artists.

Currently resident in Southern Ireland he also spends time on his boat in the UK and in the USA where his work is becoming increasingly popular with collectors. He has won some major accolades including; finalist in 'Not the Turner Prize', the 'Addenda Award' from the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, 'People's Favourite' at the at the Royal West of England Academy, and in 2006 he was awarded Signature Membership of 'The Society of Animal Artists' based in New York.